Analysis of muscle synergy and muscle functional network at different walking speeds based on surface electromyographic signal / 生物医学工程学杂志

An in-depth understanding of the mechanism of lower extremity muscle coordination during walking is the key to improving the efficacy of gait rehabilitation in patients with neuromuscular dysfunction. This paper investigates the effect of changes in walking speed on lower extremity muscle synergy patterns and muscle functional networks. Eight healthy subjects were recruited to perform walking tasks on a treadmill at three different speeds, and the surface electromyographic signals (sEMG) of eight muscles of the right lower limb were collected synchronously. The non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) method was used to extract muscle synergy patterns, the mutual information (MI) method was used to construct the alpha frequency band (8-13 Hz), beta frequency band (14-30 Hz) and gamma frequency band (31-60 Hz) muscle functional network, and complex network analysis methods were introduced to quantify the differences between different networks. Muscle synergy analysis extracted 5 muscle synergy patterns, and changes in walking speed did not change the number of muscle synergy, but resulted in changes in muscle weights. Muscle network analysis found that at the same speed, high-frequency bands have lower global efficiency and clustering coefficients. As walking speed increased, the strength of connections between local muscles also increased. The results show that there are different muscle synergy patterns and muscle function networks in different walking speeds. This study provides a new perspective for exploring the mechanism of muscle coordination at different walking speeds, and is expected to provide theoretical support for the evaluation of gait function in patients with neuromuscular dysfunction.

Follow control of upper limb rehabilitation training based on Kinect and NAO robot / 生物医学工程学杂志

Gesture imitation is a common rehabilitation strategy in limb rehabilitation training. In traditional rehabilitation training, patients need to complete training actions under the guidance of rehabilitation physicians. However, due to the limited resources of the hospital, it cannot meet the training and guidance needs of all patients. In this paper, we proposed a following control method based on Kinect and NAO robot for the gesture imitation task in rehabilitation training. The method realized the joint angles mapping from Kinect coordination to NAO robot coordination through inverse kinematics algorithm. Aiming at the deflection angle estimation problem of the elbow joint, a virtual space plane was constructed and realized the accurate estimation of deflection angle. Finally, a comparative experiment for deflection angle of the elbow joint angle was conducted. The experimental results showed that the root mean square error of the angle estimation value of this method in right elbow transverse deflection and vertical deflection directions was 2.734° and 2.159°, respectively. It demonstrates that the method can follow the human movement in real time and stably using the NAO robot to show the rehabilitation training program for patients.

An improved maximal information coefficient algorithm applied in the analysis of functional corticomuscular coupling for stroke patients / 生物医学工程学杂志

The functional coupling between motor cortex and effector muscles during autonomic movement can be quantified by calculating the coupling between electroencephalogram (EEG) signal and surface electromyography (sEMG) signal. The maximal information coefficient (MIC) algorithm has been proved to be effective in quantifying the coupling relationship between neural signals, but it also has the problem of time-consuming calculations in actual use. To solve this problem, an improved MIC algorithm was proposed based on the efficient clustering characteristics of K-means ++ algorithm to accurately detect the coupling strength between nonlinear time series. Simulation results showed that the improved MIC algorithm proposed in this paper can capture the coupling relationship between nonlinear time series quickly and accurately under different noise levels. The results of right dorsiflexion experiments in stroke patients showed that the improved method could accurately capture the coupling strength of EEG signal and sEMG signal in the specific frequency band. Compared with the healthy controls, the functional corticomuscular coupling (FCMC) in beta (14~30 Hz) and gamma band (31~45 Hz) were significantly weaker in stroke patients, and the beta-band MIC values were positively correlated with the Fugl-Meyers assessment (FMA) scale scores. The method proposed in this study is hopeful to be a new method for quantitative assessment of motor function for stroke patients.

Effect of Decitabine in Combination with Arsenic Trioxide on Prolife-ration and Apoptosis of Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia MV4-11 Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of decitabine (DAC) alone or in combination with arsenic trioxide (AsO) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) MV4-11 cells, so as to find an effective method for treating AML with MLL rearrangements.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The inhibitory effect of DAC and AsOalone, as well as in a combination of less than 50% inhibitory concentration (IC) of DAC, and with less than 20% inhibitory concentration (IC) AsOon MV4-11 cell proliferation were detected by CCK-8 methed; and the apoptosis inducing effect was determined by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inhibitory effect of DAC or AsOalone on the cell proliferation increased along with the augment of drug concentration in a dose-dependent manner, both were statistically significant (P<0.01) in comparison the control group. The ICof DAC and AsOon MV4-11 cells were 2.409 µmol/L and 2.364 µmol/L, respectively. When compared with DAC alone in the same concentration gradient, the combined chemotherapy of DAC(0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1 µmol/L) and AsO(0.25 µmol/L) showed higher inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and there was statistically differences (P<0.05). The 48 h apoptotic rate of DAC (5.0 µmol/L) on MV4-11 was 13.50%±1.87%; and the 48 h apoptotic rate of AsO(2 µmol/L) was 12.60%±2.33%; while the 48 h apoptotic rate in combination of 2 drugs was 51.13%±4.97%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DAC or AsOcan remarkably inhibit MV4-11 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, and the combination of two drugs displays a synergistic effect.</p>

Hypotriglyceridemic effects of apple polyphenols extract via up-regulation of lipoprotein lipase in triton WR-1339-induced mice / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of apple polyphenols extract (APE) in Triton WR-1339-induced endogenous hyperlipidemic model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Firstly, APE was isolated and purified from the pomace of Red Fuji Apple and contents of individual polyphenols in APE were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Secondly, forty male National Institude of Health (NIH) mice were randomly divided into 5 groups with 8 animals in each group. The Fenofibrate Capsules (FC) group and APE groups received oral administration of respective drugs for 7 consecutive days. All mice except those in the normal group were intravenously injected through tail vein with Triton WR-1339 on the 6th day. Serum and livers from all the mice were obtained 18 h after the injection. The changes in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) were measured by respective kits. Finally, expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) mRNA was measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS SERUM TC AND TG LEVELS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED IN TRITON WR-1339-INDUCED MODEL GROUP COMPARED WITH THE NORMAL GROUP (P<0.01). ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF APE [200 AND 400 MG/(KG DAY)] DOSE-DEPENDENTLY REDUCED THE SERUM LEVEL OF TG IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC MICE (P<0.01). SERUM LPL AND HTGL ACTIVITIES SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED IN TRITON WR-1339-INDUCED MODEL GROUP COMPARED WITH THE NORMAL GROUP (P<0.05). ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF APE [200 AND 400 MG/(KG DAY)] DOSE-DEPENDENTLY ELEVATED THE SERUM ACTIVITY OF LPL IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC MICE (P<0.05 OR P<0.01). FURTHERMORE, COMPARED WITH THE NORMAL GROUP, HEPATIC MRNA LEVEL OF PPARα IN THE MODEL GROUP SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED (P<0.01). ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF APE [200 AND 400 MG/(KG DAY)] DOSE-DEPENDENTLY ELEVATED THE EXPRESSION OF PPARα IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC MICE (P<0.05 OR P<0.01):</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>APE could reduce TG level via up-regulation of LPL activity, which provides new evidence to elucidate the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of APE.</p>

Microbial transformation of ursolic acid using Penicillium melinii / 中草药

Objective: To study the microbial transformation of ursolic acid using Penicillium melinii. Methods: Ursolic acid was put into the fluid medium inoculated with fungius (P. melinii AS3.4774) and cultured in the shaker at 28 °C and 140 r/min for 5 d. The crude extract was separated by chromatography. The structures of transformed products were elucidated based on the extentive NMR studies. Results: Ursolic acid was transformed by P. melinii AS3.4774 and three major derivatives were isolated and elucidated. They were 3-carbonyl ursolic acid, ursolic acid-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, and ursolic acid-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Conclusion: It is the first time that the three major derivatives could be microbial synthesized from ursolic acid by P. melinii AS3.4774.

Sperm sorting based on the imitation of the physiological process on the microfluidic chip / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a new method for sperm sorting by imitating the physiological process of sperm-cervical mucus interaction on the microfluidic chip.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We designed a microfluidic chip to imitate the physiological process of natural sperm sorting in the microchannel based on the interaction between sperm and cervical mucus, and obtained motile sperm after the interaction. Meanwhile, we established an integrated real-time sperm detection reservoir on this chip to determine sperm parameters using the computer-assisted sperm analysis system. We analyzed 30 samples using both microfluidic and swim-up methods, and compared the results with those obtained before sorting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rate of grade a + b sperm, the rate of morphologically normal sperm, straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP) and straightness (STR) were (29.78 +/- 11.24)%, (8.00 +/- 5.19)%, (18.89 +/- 4.90) microm/s, (26.84 +/- 5.13) microm/s and (70.15 +/- 7.61)%, respectively, before sorting, (71.65 +/- 11.18)%, (14.95 +/- 6.79)%, (24.14 +/- 5.95) microm/s, (32.61 +/- 6.36) microm/s and (73.87 +/- 9.34)%, respectively, after swim-up sorting, and (92.37 +/- 6.33)%, (23.33 +/- 7.67)%, (34.03 +/- 16.78) microm/s, (38.73 +/- 16.40) microm/s and (84.91 +/- 12.56)%, respectively, after sorting on the microfluidic chip. The sperm parameters obtained before sorting showed statistically significant differences from those obtained on the chip (P < 0.01) and by the swim-up method (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Imitation of the physiological interaction between sperm and cervical mucus on the microfluidic chip helped the realization of both the natural sorting and real-time analysis of sperm. The quality of the sperm sorted on the microfluidic chip is significantly better than that of the sperm before sorting and sorted by the swim-up method. This has prepared the ground for imitating the fertilization process under the physiological condition on the microfluidic chip.</p>

Effects of a microfluidic sperm sorter on sperm routine parameters and DNA integrity / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of a microfluidic sperm sorter on the routine parameters and DNA integrity of human sperm.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We divided 40 semen samples into two aliquots and performed sperm sorting using a self-made polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic sperm sorter and the swim-up method, respectively. Then we evaluated and compared the effects of these two methods on the sperm routine parameters and DNA integrity by computer-assisted sperm analysis and sperm chromatin dispersion test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After processing, sperm motility, normal morphology and tail hypoosmotic swelling rate were significantly improved, while sperm DNA damage remarkably decreased (P < 0.01). The microfluidic sperm sorter achieved a significantly lower rate of sperm DNA damage than the swim-up method ([ 8.4 +/- 5.8 ]% vs [16.4 +/- 9.2] %, P < 0.01), but no statistically significant differences were found in all other parameters between the two methods.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High-quality sperm with less DNA integrity damage could be obtained in sperm sorting with the microfluidic sperm sorter.</p>

The effect of aloesin on melanocytes in the pigmented skin equivalent model / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols, arbutin on melanocytes in the pigmented skin equivalent model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>First, we constructed the pigmented skin equivalent model in vitro. And then we detected the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols and arbutin on the cells' shape, tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin in the constructed pigmented skin equivalent.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three depigmenting agents showed an inhibition effect on the tyrosinase activity of melanocytes and reduced significantly melanin content in the pigmented skin equivalent model, in which the tea polyphenols had the strongest effect, and then was the aloesin. But the tea polyphenols showed the strongest toxicity, while the aloesin and arbutin had a much lower toxicity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>All the three depigmenting agents showed a concentration dependent suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, in which the tea polyphenols was the strongest effect( P <0.05). Aoesin has a good suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, but has a much lower toxicity, which could be used as a safe depigmenting agent.</p>

Early operative treatment of pelvic fractures associated with urethral disruption / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the early operative treatment and clinical results of pelvic fractures associated with urethra disruption.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 1995 to January 2005, 25 patients suffered from pelvic fractures combined urethra disruption treated by operation were retrospectively analyzed. According to Tile's classification, 1 case was stable pelvic fracture, 17 rotational unstable fractures, and 7 rotational combined vertical unstable fractures. The complete urethra rupture were in 23 cases and incomplete in 2 cases. The operative methods included: (1) emergency open reduction and internal fixation of the pelvis combined primary urethra suturing in 2 cases, partial suturing after realignment in 4 cases, realignment in 2 cases, and urethrovaginal penetrating wound repairing in 1 case; (2) primary urethra realignment only and delayed (range, 7 to 21 days) pelvic internal fixation in 10 cases; (3) early cystostomy and delayed (range, 3 to 21 days) urethra realignment and pelvic internal fixation in 6 cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean follow-up time of all patients was 34 months (range from 6 to 120 months). According to Majeed's evaluation, 17 cases of pelvic injury showed excellent results, 5 good, and 3 fare. After urinary catheter removed, the mean maximal urine flow rate of 19 (76%) patients was 18.6 ml/s and the mean scar length between both disrupted ends on the film of excretion urethrography was 0.51 cm. Five (20%) cases suffered in dysuria needed urethral dilatation or further surgery. One (4%) female could not control urination who need a second-look operation. The primary suprapubic soft tissue avulsion wound infection secondary to retropubic abscess was found in 1 case, posterior urethra-stenosis in 5 cases, sexual impotence in 3 cases, and incontinence in 1 case.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The satisfactory reduction and effective fixation of the pelvic fractures is an anatomical basis for receiving "tension-free urethral anastomosis".</p>

The experimental study of lipo-sodium morrhuate promoting apoptosis of ECV-304 cells / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of lipo-sodium morrhuate on ECV-304 cell line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effect lipo-sodium morrhuate was evaluated by toxicology trial (MTT), electron microscope, DNA electrophoresis and flow cytometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The toxicology results showed, that the number of vital cells in lipo-sodium morrhuate group decreased slowly. The electron microscope exhibited apoptosis in the lipo-sodium morrhuate group. And there were typical DNA ladder in DNA electrophoresis and typical apoptosis peak in flow cytometer. The apoptosis rate was 22.23%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Unlike the normal preparation of sodium morrhuate, lipo-sodium morrhuate could induce apoptosis of ECV-304 cell line.</p>

Construction of an in vitro equivalent of the pigmented skin / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct an in vitro equivalent of the pigmented skin using tissue engineering methods.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Surgically removed foreskins was used as the source of keratinocytes and melanocytes harvested by routine tissue digestion. The fibroblasts were enriched by tissue block culture and seeded into the scaffold constructed using mouse tail collagens to construct the pigmented skin equivalent model. The general structure and the melanocyte distribution and growth status in this model were observed with HE staining and Fontana Masson staining. The ultrastructure of the constructed pigmented skin equivalent was observed by transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</b>The pigmented skin equivalent model was structurally intact, and allowed optimal cell growth. Fontana Masson staining identified in the basal layer numerous melanocytes in normal growth, and the constructed model was structurally similar to normal skin tissue, suggesting successful construction of the pigmented skin equivalent model.</p>

Compare the effect of lipo- and normal prepared Sodium Morrhuate on ECV-304 cell line / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the effect of Sodium Morrhuate on ECV-304 between its lipo- and normal preparation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The ECV-304 cell line was supplemented with Sodium Morrhuate and lipo-Sodium Morrhuate in order, and the result on morphology (microscope, Giemsa Staining and electron microscope), cell activity (MTT), and flow cytometer between the two preparation were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In normal preparation group, cell's edema occurred. Chromatin was like catkins. Tumefaction and degeneration of mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum appeared. In lipo-Sodium Morrhuate group, the membrane was creased and processus appeared. Chromatin aggregates to the membrane of nucleus was like crescent, and then broken. The apoptotic body was formed. MTT changes showed that the curve of the normal preparation group was steep and the change time was short relatively, which cues the vital cells decreased sharply. The curve of lipo-Sodium Morrhuate group was gentle and the change time was long relatively, which cues the vital cells decreased slowly. The flow cytometer showed that typical apoptosis peak appeared.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The normal preparation group shows an acute toxic effect on ECV-304 cell line, which result in a necrosis course, while lipo-Sodium Morrhuate shows a gradual releasing process, which may indicate a apoptosis course.</p>

Experimental study on induction of the normal human melanocytes apoptosis in vitro by cycloheximide and TNF-alpha / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of cycloheximide and TNF-alpha on melanocyte (MC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Melanocyte apoptosis was studied with MTT, transmitting electron microscopy and fluorescence labeling of alive cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We added TNF-alpha and cycloheximide in melanocytes, and the typical apoptosis appeared 24 hours later, with chromatin condensation, nuclear pyknosis and apoptotic bodies formation. The results of cytometry showed the typical apoptotic peak.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TNF-alpha and cycloheximide together could inhibit MC proliferation and induce MC apoptosis.</p>

The association between the“Tip-Apex Distance”value and cut-out of the lag screw from the femoral head:a clinical retrospective study / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To confirm the association between the“Tip-Apex Distance (TAD)”and cut-out of the lag screw from the femoral head.and to analyze other factors leading to the cut-out.Methods The complete radiographic and clinical data of 106 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures were available for this study. They were 65 men and 41 women,with an average age of 52.4 years (range,20 to 83 years).According to Evans classification.19 cases belonged to typeⅡ.25 to typeⅢ,32 to typeⅣ,29 to typeⅤ,and one to type R.The bone quality was classified by Singh rating system:44 cases were rated as typeⅥ.34 as typeⅤ,23 as typeⅣand five as typeⅢ.They were treated with open reduction and fixation with 135?dynamic hip screw (DHS).According to the finding of Baumgaertner that“TAD”beyond 25 mm would grcatly increase the risk of cut-out,the patients could be divided into two groups:59 cases with“TAD”less than 25 mm and 47 greater than 25 mm.Results The mean duration of follow-ups was 14.45 months (range,4.5 to 28.0 months).Of the 15 cases whose“TAD”was more than 30 mm,one had the cut-out.Of the seven cases whose“TAD”was more than 40 mm,two had the cut-out (P=0.000). The average age of the three patients was 78.7 years (range:75 to 83 years) and 27.1 years older than that of the 103 patients whose fracture healed (P=0.000).They belonged to the unstable intertrochanteric fracture of the femur (two to Evans type V and one to type R).The reduction was assessed as excellent in 43 cases,good in 47 cases,fair in nine cases (of whom one had the cut-out),poor in seven cases (of whom two had the cut-out). Conclusions The cut-out of the lag screw from the femoral head can be caused by age,fracture type and stability of reduction and“TAD”.The greater the“TAD”value,the greater possibility of cut-out.